Most people have no idea how many countries are in the EU, survey says

Exclusive: Poll finds the majority of people did not know there was an official EU anthem while some believed there was a European army

Most people polled were unaware how many countries were in the EU (PA)

The majority of people have no idea how many countries there are in the European Union, with more than 10 per cent believing there is an official European army.

An exclusive ComRes poll for The Independent found most people also believed most UK law came from the EU and had no idea there was an official EU anthem.

Of 2,043 people surveyed at the beginning of May, 73 per cent thought there were 29 countries in the EU when in fact there are 28, while 61 per cent of people believed most UK laws are set by the EU, when in fact official figures put EU regulation at anywhere between 15 and 50 per cent of UK law, including laws "influenced" by Brussels. And 70 per cent of people were unaware the EU’s official anthem is "Ode to Joy".

The poll also showed that while the majority of people were aware there was no EU army, 14 per cent believed there was, while 29 per cent did not realise UK citizens required a passport to get into other European countries.

However, the majority of people surveyed were aware of the Treasury estimate that puts the cost of leaving the EU at £4,300 per household per year by 2030, although Ukip voters were the group most likely to say this statement was false.

There is currently an almost even split in people wishing to remain in the EU and those hoping for Brexit, according to the latest polls. The referendum will be held on 23 June.